Scripture
October 1, Ordinary 26A (Philippians 2:1-13)
Paul’s words about humility should be handled with care.
Testimony service (Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45)
There is something truly transformative about giving thanks unto the Lord, calling upon God’s name, and making God’s deeds known among the people.
The monsters we fear
Religion and horror often ask us to reflect on the same set of questions.
September 24, Ordinary 25A (Matthew 20:1–16)
Jesus doesn’t seem interested in our warped ways of keeping the ledger of life.
Why so much judgment? (Romans 14:1-12)
Because language matters, careful teaching and preaching matter.
September 17, Ordinary 24A (Exodus 15:1b–11, 20–21)
Miriam’s song of victory prepares hearts to trust God in an uncertain future.
Blood on the door (Exodus 12:1-14)
The lamb’s blood isn’t insurance against the wrath of God. It is a proclamation of fealty.
When Judaism became Judaism
Archaeologist Yonatan Adler argues that widespread, ordinary observance of the Torah did not take place until the Hellenistic period.
A gospel that admits it’s a false prophecy
One of the most fascinating texts from early modern Europe is the Gospel of Barnabas.
September 10, Ordinary 23A (Matthew 18:15–20)
The only place in the Gospels where Jesus says anything about the church is Matthew 18—and not insignificantly, he brings it up in terms of conflict management.
Burning coals (Romans 12:9-21)
Paul confronts a persistent barrier to true contentment: other people.
September 3, Ordinary 22A (Exodus 3:1–15)
We see what we focus on—and what we focus on determines what we do not see.
Losing puns in translation (Matthew 16:13-20)
Jesus’ word association with “Peter” falls flat in almost every language.
What we think we know about God
“Anyone who thinks he knows the orthodox consensus can always be shown to be wrong,” says David Bentley Hart.
August 27, Ordinary 21A (Matthew 16:13–20)
I find it comforting to realize that Jesus recognizes the incompleteness of Peter’s understanding.
Forgive and forget? (Genesis 45:1-15)
Forgiveness is hard, and it’s hard for Joseph’s brothers to trust it.